The purpose of this paper is to investigate computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer‐aided engineering (CAE) as enablers of agile manufacturing (AM).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate computer‐aided design (CAD) and computer‐aided engineering (CAE) as enablers of agile manufacturing (AM).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the literature review, the importance of technology integration enabling AM has been found. CAD technology has been used for modelling baseline product; CAE has been used for deriving optimized parameters; new designs have been derived.
Findings
The feasibility of CAD and CAE as enablers of AM has been ensured.
Research limitations/implications
The study has been conducted only in one automotive sprocket manufacturing organization.
Practical implications
The practical feasibility of generating new products through technology integration has been ensured.
Originality/value
Very little research has been reported on technology‐integrated AM practices. In this study, CAD and CAE have been used for enabling product development.
Details
Keywords
S. Vinodh, G. Sundararaj, S.R. Devadasan, D. Kuttalingam and D. Rajanayagam
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of rapid prototyping (RP) technology using three dimensional (3D) printer for infusing agility in traditional…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of rapid prototyping (RP) technology using three dimensional (3D) printer for infusing agility in traditional manufacturing environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The computer aided design (CAD) model of a knob of an electronics switch is developed using Pro/E software. Keeping this model as a reference, CAD models of new six knobs are developed. A 3D printer is used to build the prototypes of five of those CAD models. The receptivity of the practitioners over adopting CAD models and 3D printer for achieving agility is investigated.
Findings
The sensitisation of the industry captains and employees of traditional manufacturing sector is the imperative for exploiting the power of 3D printer and achieving mass customisation.
Originality/value
The paper reports an original research in which the practicality of using 3D printer is investigated with the objective of enabling the traditional manufacturing companies to imbibe agile characteristics.
Details
Keywords
S. Vinodh, G. Sundararaj, S.R. Devadasan, D. Kuttalingam and D. Rajanayagam
The purpose of this paper is to report a research which is carried out to examine the possibility of applying finite element analysis (FEA) and computer‐aided…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report a research which is carried out to examine the possibility of applying finite element analysis (FEA) and computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) concepts in a typical organisational environment to acquire the characteristics of agile manufacturing (AM).
Design/methodology/approach
One of the components of a model of electronic switch manufactured by a company was chosen as the candidate of this research. Five new models of this component incorporated with agile characteristics were developed in electronic environment using Moldflow Plastics Insight software.
Findings
The experiences of conducting this research being reported in this paper indicate the possibility of adopting FEA‐integrated CAD/CAM concept for achieving agility. However, certain hindrances have to be overcome to pursue deeper journey by the contemporary organisations in this direction.
Research limitations/implications
This research is conducted on one component of a product manufactured by a company. The typical scenario prevailing in the company is similar that is seen in many companies situated in other parts of the worlds. Hence, the contributions of this research, particularly the roadmap would be useful for adopting FEA and CAD/CAM concepts to achieve agility in contemporary organisations.
Practical implications
The research reported in this paper has shown the way of focusing FEA‐integrated CAD/CAM utilities towards enhancing AM capabilities of contemporary organisations.
Originality/value
The literature survey conducted in the beginning of this research indicated that deeper research in the direction of applying FEA‐integrated CAD/CAM concept for acquiring agile characteristics is yet to start. Hence, the research reported in this paper is original and valuable.
Details
Keywords
S. Vinodh, G. Sundararaj, S.R. Devadasan, D. Kuttalingam, J. Jayaprakasam and D. Rajanayagam
Agile manufacturing (AM) refers to the capability of an organisation to quickly respond to the customers' dynamic demands. The purpose of this paper is to report a research which…
Abstract
Purpose
Agile manufacturing (AM) refers to the capability of an organisation to quickly respond to the customers' dynamic demands. The purpose of this paper is to report a research which is carried out to explore the interfacing of computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in a traditional manufacturing company with the purpose of acquiring AM characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
The CAD model of an existing electronics switch is developed using Pro/E package. Then, the mold adviser package is used to design the existing mold of this component. On studying this mold, ten new models of it are designed using the mold adviser package.
Findings
The new models developed through CAD/CAM interfacing are found to possess more agile characteristics than those possess by the existing mold.
Research limitations/implications
The explorative study is conducted in only one traditional manufacturing company. In this company several world class manufacturing strategies like kaizen and total productive maintenance are implemented. This endeavour mimics those pursue in majority of the companies situated in different parts of the world. This implies that the contributions of this research would be useful to majority of those companies as well.
Practical implications
A roadmap is developed which will be useful for practically applying CAD/CAM interfacing with the objective of implementing AM.
Originality/value
It appears that no researcher has examined the interfacing of CAD/CAM for achieving agility in manufacturing organisations. This paper reports a research, which is conducted to fill this research and practice gap. Hence, this research is original and valuable to both researchers and practitioners.
Details
Keywords
Fahraz Ali, Boppana V. Chowdary and Luis Gonzales
The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated design approach for rapid product development (RpD) of a broken product.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated design approach for rapid product development (RpD) of a broken product.
Design/methodology/approach
Reverse engineering (RE), re‐engineering (ReE) and RpD systems have been incorporated to infuse agile characteristics in the proposed design and development process. A case study involving a broken clutch shoe was selected to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed integrated approach.
Findings
Integration of RE, ReE and RpD presented an unconventional approach towards achieving reduced lead times for design and development of products. Agile characteristics have been manifested for the broken clutch shoe by retrieval of a digitized parametric computer aided design (CAD) model. Moreover, development and selection of an enhanced feasible design (M3) as well as delivery of the corresponding prototype was accomplished just in one week.
Originality/value
The proposed integrated approach for RpD can provide solutions to similar industrial situations wherein agility in the product design and development process can be infused so that the developed part can be delivered quickly to the customer at the reduced time and costs.
Details
Keywords
Usman Tariq, Ranjit Joy, Sung-Heng Wu, Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Asad Waqar Malik and Frank Liou
This study aims to discuss the state-of-the-art digital factory (DF) development combining digital twins (DTs), sensing devices, laser additive manufacturing (LAM) and subtractive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to discuss the state-of-the-art digital factory (DF) development combining digital twins (DTs), sensing devices, laser additive manufacturing (LAM) and subtractive manufacturing (SM) processes. The current shortcomings and outlook of the DF also have been highlighted. A DF is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that uses innovative technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, additive manufacturing (AM), SM, hybrid manufacturing (HM), sensors for real-time feedback and control, and a DT, to streamline and improve manufacturing operations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presents a novel perspective on DF development using laser-based AM, SM, sensors and DTs. Recent developments in laser-based AM, SM, sensors and DTs have been compiled. This study has been developed using systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, discussing literature on the DTs for laser-based AM, particularly laser powder bed fusion and direct energy deposition, in-situ monitoring and control equipment, SM and HM. The principal goal of this study is to highlight the aspects of DF and its development using existing techniques.
Findings
A comprehensive literature review finds a substantial lack of complete techniques that incorporate cyber-physical systems, advanced data analytics, AI, standardized interoperability, human–machine cooperation and scalable adaptability. The suggested DF effectively fills this void by integrating cyber-physical system components, including DT, AM, SM and sensors into the manufacturing process. Using sophisticated data analytics and AI algorithms, the DF facilitates real-time data analysis, predictive maintenance, quality control and optimal resource allocation. In addition, the suggested DF ensures interoperability between diverse devices and systems by emphasizing standardized communication protocols and interfaces. The modular and adaptable architecture of the DF enables scalability and adaptation, allowing for rapid reaction to market conditions.
Originality/value
Based on the need of DF, this review presents a comprehensive approach to DF development using DTs, sensing devices, LAM and SM processes and provides current progress in this domain.
Details
Keywords
Boppana V. Chowdary and Deepak Jaglal
This paper aims to present a reverse engineering (RE) approach for three-dimensional (3D) model reconstruction and fast prototyping (FP) of broken chess pieces.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a reverse engineering (RE) approach for three-dimensional (3D) model reconstruction and fast prototyping (FP) of broken chess pieces.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study involving a broken chess piece was selected to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed unconventional RE approach. Initially, a laser 3D scanner was used to acquire a (non-uniform rational B-spline) surface model of the object, which was then processed to develop a parametric computer aided design (CAD) model combined with geometric design and tolerancing (GD&T) technique for evaluation and then for FP of the part using a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine.
Findings
The effectiveness of the proposed approach for reconstruction and FP of rotational parts was ascertained through a sample part. The study demonstrates non-contact data acquisition technologies such as 3D laser scanners together with RE systems can support to capture the entire part geometry that was broken/worn and developed quickly through the application of computer aided manufacturing principles and a CNC machine. The results indicate that design communication, customer involvement and FP can be efficiently accomplished by means of an integrated RE workflow combined with rapid product development tools and techniques.
Originality/value
This research established a RE approach for the acquisition of broken/worn part data and the development of parametric CAD models. Then, the developed 3D CAD model was inspected for accuracy by means of the GD&T approach and rapidly developed using a CNC machine. Further, the proposed RE led FP approach can provide solutions to similar industrial situations wherein agility in the product design and development process is necessary to produce physical samples and functional replacement parts for aging systems in a short turnaround time.
Details
Keywords
Manoj Palsodkar, Gunjan Yadav and Madhukar R. Nagare
The market's intense competition, the unpredictability of customer demands and technological advancements are compelling organizations to adopt new approaches, such as agile new…
Abstract
Purpose
The market's intense competition, the unpredictability of customer demands and technological advancements are compelling organizations to adopt new approaches, such as agile new product development (ANPD), which enables the introduction of new products to the market in a short span. The existing ANPD literature review articles are lacking in portraying recent developments, potential fields of adoption and the significance of ANPD in organizational development. The primary goal of this article is to investigate emerging aspects, current trends and conduct a meta-analysis using a systematic review of 177 ANPD articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 1998 and 2020.
Design/methodology/approach
The articles were categorized based on their year of publication, publishers, journals, authors, countries, universities, most cited articles, etc. The authors attempted to identify top journals, authors, most cited articles, enablers, barriers, performance metrics, etc. in the ANPD domain through the presented study.
Findings
The major themes of research articles, gaps and future trends are identified to assist academicians and ANPD practitioners. This study will benefit ANPD professionals by providing them with information on available literature and current ANPD trends.
Originality/value
Through meta-analysis, this study is one of the unique attempt to categorize ANPD articles to identify research gaps and highlight future research trends. A distinguishing feature of the presented study is the identification of active journals, publishers and authors, as well as enablers, barriers and performance metrics.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to analyze the agile manufacturing practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the auto-ancillary sector spread across eastern India. Using statistical…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the agile manufacturing practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the auto-ancillary sector spread across eastern India. Using statistical method, a number of crucial insights have been captured and discussed in detail.
Design/methodology/approach
A structural equation model (SEM) encapsulating pertinent agile manufacturing attributes and enablers as the focal construct is conceptualized and validated in this research. The SEM model is evolved in a manner that agile attributes and agile enablers are modeled as latent dependent and manifest variable, respectively.
Findings
A number of key hypothesis entailing interactions of key agility enablers, i.e. manufacturing responsiveness agility, manufacturing strategy agility, workforce agility, technology agility, manufacturing management agility, etc. are conceptualized and validated.
Originality/value
The authors specifically focus on evolving agile manufacturing framework (characterized by agility enablers and attributes) that lies at the intersection of SMEs, automotive sector and an emerging economy.